Paddling

RHODE ISLAND

Rhode Island may be the smallest state with the longest name (State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations), but it makes up for it in miles of coastline. “The Ocean State” is a playground for water sport enthusiasts from sailors to surfers. Historic harbor towns such as Newport, Wickford and Bristol attract many visitors each year to take part in summer events and shopping. If you live in the Rhode Island area or are planning a trip, be sure to check out our full line up of kayaking and paddleboarding activities from lesson and rentals at Lincoln Woods State Park, to guided scenic tours of Newport Harbor.

Join the Eastern Mountain Sports Kayak School at Lincoln Woods State Park for kayak rentals and lessons. This location is perfect for families and larger groups. Lincoln Woods State Park has great facilities such as picnic areas and beach access. Our kayak rentals or instructional programs are sure to be a great addition to any adventure outing. We cater to special events and parties as well.

Come explore the Blackstone River on one of our favorite Fall Foliage Paddle Tours. Experience the vibrant colors of the changing of the season against the mirror like calm water as we paddle north into the Historic Lonsdale Marsh. This is one of those must do trips that rewards you with all the sights, sounds and smells fall has to offer. Known as “The Hardest Working River In New England” the Blackstone River has been used throughout the industrial revolution to generate power and transport goods for many generations. In Fact it is often referred to as the “Birthplace Of the American Revolution” due to its numerous mills, river locks and quaint mill towns that sprung up along its banks. As we paddle along this winding river we will share in the importance of this cultural and historical natural resource as we enjoy its current recreational opportunities. The plan is to paddle north into the marsh between Cumberland and Lincoln and experience the beauty of its coves and islands. The vibrant red and orange hues of fall surround us as we glide through its gentile waters. As we paddle around the marsh and explore all it has to offer you will soon understand why this is one of those sought after “Fall Foliage Paddles”. READ MORE…

Join the EMS Kayak School as we go in search of one of the most endearing winter residents of Narragansett Bay, the harbor seal. Harbor seals migrate from the Gulf of Maine and Atlantic Canada into Narragansett Bay’s warmer waters in the winter months. Once quite rare in the area, harbor seal populations have rebounded since the passage of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972. Here in the Bay, they are protected from many of their natural predators like orcas and sharks. Viewing these animals by kayak gives you an opportunity not available any other way; you can look these animals right in the eye, from their perspective, in their environment. There are several locations throughout Narragansett Bay that are regular haul out spots for the seals, and due to tides, winds and the cooler temperatures our launch sites often vary. The plan is to get out on the water and head toward one of these haul out spots like Rome Point and view the seals without spooking them. The viewing is often done on land during one of our breaks, or an occasional on the water “spy hop” as we are paddling around! These curious creatures are often quite interested in kayaks and will investigate boats from behind, following almost silently. Come out with one of our experienced guides and enjoy one of the gifts of Narragansett Bay! READ MORE…

The best way to learn to kayak is to take a full day kayak course that covers outfitting, strokes and rescues. This is a class that goes several steps beyond our Primary Strokes by spending more time on the strokes in the morning and focusing on rescues skills in the afternoon. This is a comprehensive seven hour kayak class that covers a wide range of skills and techniques. We provide plenty of time to practice and refine each skill in order to maximize our fun and build our overall confidence. READ MORE…

A great way to learn to kayak is to take an introductory course that covers kayak outfitting and basic strokes. This class is designed to teach new kayakers the beginning skills surrounding this fun and exciting sport. This is a three hour course that takes place on protected water with comfortable, stable kayaks. Our professional certified ACA Instructors will show you the essential equipment and how to best fit and utilize each piece. Your Instructor will introduce you to fundamentals of kayaking like proper boat and PFD fit, carrying and lifting techniques, launching and landing techniques, efficient forward and reverse strokes, and a few maneuvering strokes such as sweeps and draws. We surround this instruction with fun and informative group activities designed to build skills and increase confidence. READ MORE…

Quite simply, rolling your kayak to an upright position is the best self rescue method, period. It is one of those counter-intuitive skills progressions, however, that demands a skilled instructor with a good eye and deep understanding of the mechanics of various rolling styles to smooth the learning process. So we try to make your learning experience as easy as possible on a calm water body with rolling-friendly kayaks and knowledgeable ACA and BCU certified instructors. READ MORE…

This beginner level course will provide you with the basic equipment knowledge and paddling concepts you need to confidently and efficiently explore this exciting sport. We will also create a foundation for you to take SUPing to the next level and try other challenging applications. The first part of class will focus on appropriate board and paddle selection, outfitting, paddling stance and basic strokes. Next we will move to floating our boards, kneeling on our boards and eventually, standing up and applying those new found balancing techniques. Once you’ve got the feel of it, we will work on our forward stroke, sweep strokes and some ruddering techniques. Falling off and getting back on are some fun ways to relax, cool off and get more comfortable. You will soon discover that you have been having a blast while providing your body with a great new workout. Look cool, have fun, and get some exercise as you learn to SUP with our experienced paddle board instructors at Eastern Mountain Sports! READ MORE…

Come and enjoy the trails at Chase Farm Park on an evening snowshoe hike with one of our knowledgeable Guides at Eastern Mountain Sports. This is an area that is rich in history and culture dating back to the early 1800’s. It is now the site of the oldest working farm in Lincoln, RI and abuts the historic Hearthside House. Explore the open fields of Chase Farm and wooded trails of Butterfly Gardens. Our gentile winter hikes will circumnavigate Cow pond and explore the hills of Echo Point. This is a fantastic place to learn the art of winter hiking or just get out for a few after a long day at work. This area is appropriate for all abilities and offers gentile rolling hills to explore the virtues of winter traction. Our guides will provide headlamps, snowshoes, microspikes, and poles to provide float and traction to this frozen environment. Simply dress warm, dawn your winter hat and gloves bring your full laced winter boots or hiking boots and our guides will help you experience the rest. Get outside and enjoy winter with one of our experienced Eastern Mountain Sports Guides. You will be glad you did it!

Groups meet promptly at 6:00pm at the Houghton’s Pond parking lot. When you arrive you will meet your guide, sign a waiver form, and get outfitted with the technical winter gear such as snowshoes, micro spikes and trekking poles for the day. Once everyone is outfitted we will begin hiking to the summit of the mountain. Standard route to the summit is the Red Dot trail to Eliot Circle. Please refer to gear list for items you will be required to have for the hike. Approximate overall hiking time is 2.5 hours. Hiking time may vary depending on weather, trail conditions and overall pace of the group. We will conclude the hike at the parking lot of the Houghton’s Pond parking lot and return all necessary gear in the parking lot.

Hikers will be outfitted with all technical equipment for the trip excluding proper winter trekking footwear. All participants are expected to wear mid to high laced hiking boots or mid to high properly fitting winter boots with warm synthetic or wool socks to insulate from the cold. It is also suggested but not absolutely necessary to wear Gaiters over your boots to keep snow from entering the top of your boots. You are welcome to bring your own gear but it will be subject to approval by your guide. Equipment provided includes snowshoes, micro spikes, headlamps and trekking poles. Hikers will be expected to arrive dressed appropriately for the weather and provide their own daypacks, spare insulating clothes, hats, gloves, snacks and water. See gear list for complete list of items you will be responsible for bringing.